EP2806630B1

EP2806630B1 - Display device

Info

Publication number: EP2806630B1
Application number: EP14168664.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kenji Ogura
Original assignee: Funai Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Funai Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-24
Filing date: 2014-05-16
Publication date: 2019-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-16
Also published as: JP2014228802A; EP2806630A1; US20140347816A1; JP6236876B2; EP3499875A1; US9491893B2; USRE47914E1

Description

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a display device for displaying images.

[Background of Related Art]

A display device provided with a backlight unit that irradiates light toward a back surface of a display panel, such as, for example, a liquid crystal television receiver or the like, is known (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. H9-274444 ).
The display device is provided with an enclosure configured by a mutual combination of a front cabinet and a rear cabinet. The front cabinet is disposed so as to cover an outer periphery of the display panel. The rear cabinet is disposed on a back surface side of the display panel. The display panel, the backlight unit, and a power source substrate or the like for supplying power to the display panel, for example, are disposed inside the enclosure.
A plurality of holes disposed in a grid is provided on a planar portion of the rear cabinet. When power is turned on for the display device, the power source substrate or the like is energized and generates heat. Heat from the power source substrate or the like is released to an outside of the display device through the plurality of holes.
Furthermore, a waterproof cover is disposed inside the enclosure. The waterproof cover is disposed so as to cover the power source substrate or the like from above. For example, when liquid from a beverage or the like spills on a top surface of the enclosure, the liquid may flow into the enclosure from the plurality of holes. In such a case, liquid is suppressed from adhering to the power source substrate or the like because the waterproof cover receives the liquid that flows into the enclosure.
US 2004/0135482 A1 describes electroluminescent displays comprising a packaged semiconductor light emitting element having a light emitting display side. A heat sink is disposed in the region of a rear side of the light-emitting element opposite to the display side. Cooling channels are defined between the heat sink and the drive circuitry for the passage in use of a cooling fluid. The cooling channels run underneath a plate for mounting drivers and a controller, exit at an opposite outlet and are connected to a fluid inlet of a next tile when assembled. The exiting cooling fluid such as air may be released to the atmosphere via the outlet or conveyed to another part of the display system.
As described above, because the plurality of holes is provided on the planar portion of the rear cabinet, strength of the planar portion decreases. Cracks may therefore form on the planar portion of the rear cabinet when an object strikes the rear cabinet.
Furthermore, as described above, when liquid spills on the top surface of the enclosure, the liquid may flow into the enclosure from the plurality of holes. The waterproof cover therefore needs to be disposed inside the enclosure, increasing a component count of the display device.

[Summary of the Invention]

One or more examples of the present invention provide a display device that can secure strength of a back surface enclosure and suppress liquid from flowing in from a plurality of holes.
A display device according to the invention is defined in the appended claims. Such a display device may comprise a display panel, a back surface enclosure disposed on a back surface side of the display panel, a concave portion, and a heat generating component disposed between the display panel and the back surface enclosure. The concave portion comprises a plurality of holes or slits configured to release heat from the heat generating component to an outside of the display device.
The holes or slits are provided on the concave portion. Accordingly, the heat from the heat generating component may be released outside the display device through the plurality of holes and strength of the back surface enclosure may be secured. Cracks may thereby be suppressed from forming in the back surface enclosure when, for example, an object strikes the back surface enclosure. Moreover, in relation to an ability to secure the strength of the back surface enclosure, the concave portion may be used as a handle. The display device may easily be carried by hooking a fingertip or the like on the concave portion and lifting the display device. Moreover, liquid may be suppressed from flowing into each of the plurality of holes (or slits) when liquid from a beverage or the like spills on a top surface of the back surface enclosure because the plurality of holes is provided on the concave portion.
The holes or slits are disposed above the heat generating component.
According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, because the plurality of holes (or slits) is disposed above the heat generating component, the heat from the heat generating component may be efficiently released outside the display device through the plurality of holes.
For example, in the display device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the release portion may comprise the plurality of holes or slits, and the guide portion configured to guide heat from the holes or slits to an outside of the display device is disposed above the release portion, for example in a longitudinal direction of the back surface enclosure.
Because the concave portion comprises the release portion and the guide portion disposed above the release portion, the heat released from the plurality of holes (or slits) is guided outside the display device along a top surface of the guide portion. The heat from the heat generating component may thereby be efficiently released outside the display device through the plurality of holes.
For example, in the display device the release portion may be disposed opposite the guide portion.
Because the release portion is disposed opposite the guide portion, the heat released from the plurality of holes (or slits) may be efficiently guided outside the display device along the top surface of the guide portion.
For example, in the display device the concave portion may have an elongated shape, for example extending in a lateral direction of the back surface enclosure. The plurality of holes may be disposed at intervals, for example in a longitudinal direction of the concave portion. Each of the plurality of holes (or slits) may extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the concave portion.
Because each of the plurality of holes may extend substantially vertically relative to the longitudinal direction of the concave portion, the heat from the heat generating component may be efficiently released from the plurality of holes.
For example, in the display device the guide portion may comprise a plurality of ribs on a top surface of the guide portion.
Because the plurality of ribs is provided on the top surface of the guide portion, the fingertip or the like is less likely to slip on the top surface of the guide portion when hooking the fingertip or the like on the guide portion. By this, the fingertip or the like may easily grip the guide portion and the display device may easily be carried and the like.
For example, in the display device according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a grain finish may be applied to a top surface of the guide portion.
Because the grain finish is applied to the top surface of the guide portion, the fingertip or the like is less likely to slip on the top surface of the guide portion when hooking the fingertip or the like on the guide portion. By this, the fingertip or the like may easily grip the guide portion and the display device may easily be carried and the like.
For example, in the display device the back surface enclosure may comprise a rear frame disposed on the back surface side of the display panel, and a rear cover covering a portion of an outer surface of the rear frame. For example, the heat generating component may be disposed between the rear frame and the rear cover. For example, the concave portion may be provided on the rear cover.
When the back surface enclosure comprises a rear cover, the concave portion may be provided on the rear cover. The concave portion may be provided on the rear cover, for example, when the back surface enclosure comprises a rear frame and a rear cover. However, the concave portion, i.e. a portion of the back surface enclosure formed in a concave shape on a side of the display panel, may be provided in a different position, as a function of the configuration of the back surface enclosure.
For example, in the display device at least one fastening member fastening the rear cover to the rear frame may be disposed on the concave portion.
Because the at least one fastening member may be disposed on the concave portion, a head or the like of the at least one fastening member is less likely to appear on an external appearance of the display device. A design of the display device may thereby be improved.
According the display device according to one or more examples of the present invention, strength of the back surface enclosure may be secured, and liquid may be suppressed from flowing in from the plurality of holes (or slits).

[Brief Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a front surface side of a first example of a display device.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a back surface side of the display device according to the first example.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the back surface side of the display device according to the first example in a state where a rear cover is removed from a rear frame.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the display device cut along the line A-A in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating an enlarged portion of a rear cover in FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating an enlarged portion of a concave portion in FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the display device cut along the line B-B in FIG. 2.
FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view illustrating an enlarged portion of a concave portion of a second example of a display device according to a second example.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a back surface side of a third example of a display device.

[Detailed Description of Embodiments]

Examples of the present invention will be described in detail below using drawings.

(First Example)

[Overall Configuration of Display Device According to One or More Examples]

First, an overall configuration of a display device according to a first example will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a front surface side of the display device according to the first example. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a back surface side of the display device according to the first example. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the back surface side of the display device according to the first example in a state where a rear cover is removed from a rear frame. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the display device cut along the line A-A in FIG. 1.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a display device 2 may be, for example, a liquid crystal television receiver comprising an enclosure 4. The enclosure 4 may be configured by a mutual combination of a front cabinet 6 and a back surface enclosure. The back surface enclosure may comprise, for example, a rear frame 8 and a rear cover 18, an exemplary form of which will be described below.
The front cabinet 6 may be configured in a frame shape and may cover an outer periphery of a display panel, which may be, for example, a liquid crystal cell 10, that will be described below. The front cabinet 6 may be formed of, for example, resin.
The rear frame 8 may be disposed so as to cover a back surface side of the liquid crystal cell 10. A rectangular flange portion 8a extending toward an outer side of the rear frame 8 may be provided on an open portion of the rear frame 8. Moreover, a protrusion 8b for positioning the rear cover 18 relative to the rear frame 8 may be provided on the rear frame 8. This protrusion 8b may extend along an outer periphery of the rear cover 18 and protrude on a side opposite the liquid crystal cell 10. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a heat generating component, for example comprising a power source substrate 12 (or another power source that generates heat), for supplying power to the liquid crystal cell 10 and the like may be mounted, for example by means of a plurality of screws 14, on a portion, for example on a central portion, of an outer surface (i.e., the side opposite the liquid crystal cell 10) of the rear frame 8. A plurality of electronic components 16 such as resistive elements, integrated circuits (IC), or the like may be mounted on the power source substrate 12. Various types of substrates and the like (not illustrated) besides the power source substrate 12 may be mounted on the outer surface of the rear frame 8. The rear frame 8 may be for example formed of sheet metal, such as steel that is electrically chromate coated (SECC; electrogalvanized steel) or the like.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the back surface enclosure may also comprise the rear cover 18. The rear cover 18 may be mounted by means of a fastening member, e.g., a screw or a plurality of screws 19, on a portion, for example the central portion, of the outer surface of the rear frame 8. That is, the power substrate 12 may be disposed between the rear cover 18 and the rear frame 8 (in other words, between the rear cover 18 and the liquid crystal cell 10). The outer periphery of the rear cover 18 may contact an inner periphery of the protrusion 8b and position the rear cover 18 relative to the rear frame 8. This rear cover 18 may cover the power source substrate 12 and the like described above. A stand 20 for supporting the enclosure 4 from below may be mounted on a lower end portion of the rear cover 18. The rear cover 18 and the stand 20 may be each formed of, for example, resin. According to this example the display device 2 comprises a rear cover 18 having an exemplary structure in the display device 2which will be described below.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the display device may also comprise a reflective sheet 22, a backlight unit 24, a diffusion plate 26, and an optical sheet 28, in addition to the liquid crystal cell 10. The reflective sheet 22, the backlight unit 24, the diffusion plate 26, the optical sheet 28 and the liquid crystal cell 10 may be all disposed inside the enclosure 4.

[Interior Structure of the Display Device]

Next, an exemplary interior structure of the display device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the flange portion 8a of the rear frame 8 may support each outer periphery of the reflective sheet 22, the diffusion plate 26, and the optical sheet 28 described above.
The reflective sheet 22 may be disposed so as to cover an inner surface of the rear frame 8 (i.e., a surface on a side on which the liquid crystal cell 10 is disposed). The reflective sheet 22 has a function of reflecting light from the backlight unit 24.
The backlight unit 24 may be, for example, a backlight unit of a direct type and may irradiate light toward a back surface of the liquid crystal cell 10. The backlight unit 24 may comprise a plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) bars 30. In FIG. 4, only one LED bar 30 is illustrated. Each of the plurality of LED bars 30 may comprise a wiring substrate 32 and a plurality of LEDs 34 mounted on the wiring substrate 32. The wiring substrate 32 may be configured in an elongated plate shape. The plurality of LEDs 34 may be disposed at intervals in a row, for example along a longitudinal direction of the wiring substrate 32. Double-sided tape having thermal conductivity (not illustrated) may be used to mount the wiring substrate 32 on the inner surface of the rear frame 8. The wiring substrate 32 may be formed of metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum or the like.
The diffusion plate 26 may be disposed between the backlight unit 24 and the liquid crystal cell 10. The diffusion plate 26 has a function of diffusing light from the backlight unit 24. The optical sheet 28 may disposed so as to cover a surface of the diffusion plate 26 on a liquid crystal cell 10 side. The optical sheet 28 has, for example, a function of guiding the light diffused by the diffusion plate 26 to the liquid crystal cell 10.
The liquid crystal cell 10 may be configured in a rectangular panel shape. A frame-like cell guide 36 mounted on the flange portion 8a of the rear frame 8 may support the outer periphery of the liquid crystal cell 10. Irradiating the light from the backlight unit 24 on the back surface of the liquid crystal cell 10 displays an image on the liquid crystal cell 10.

[Structure of the Rear Cover According to One or More Examples]

Next, an exemplary structure of the rear cover 18 will be described with reference also to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view illustrating an enlarged portion of the rear cover in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating an enlarged portion of a concave portion in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the display device cut along the line B-B in FIG. 2.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 5, and 7, a concave portion 38 extending in an elongated shape in a lateral direction of the rear cover 18 (i.e., horizontal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the display device 2 in FIG. 2) may be provided on an upper end portion of the rear cover 18. As illustrated in FIG. 7, this concave portion 38 may be formed in a concave shape facing the liquid crystal cell 10 side. The concave portion 38 may comprise a release portion 38a in a lower side portion of the concave portion 38 and a guide portion 38b in an upper side portion of the concave portion 38. The release portion 38a may extend slightly obliquely upward toward the liquid crystal cell 10 side from the outer surface of the rear cover 18. The guide portion 38b may be disposed on an upper side of the release portion 38a and may extend slightly obliquely downward toward the liquid crystal cell 10 side from the outer surface of the rear cover 18. The release portion 38a and the guide portion 38b may be disposed so as to oppose each other.
A plurality of holes 40 for releasing heat from the power source substrate 12 outside the display device 2 may be provided on the release portion 38a. As illustrated in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of holes 40 may be configured as a slit, which may extend substantially vertically (i.e., perpendicularly) relative to a longitudinal direction of the concave portion 38. The plurality of holes 40 may be disposed at intervals, for example in the longitudinal direction of the concave portion 38. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, one end portion of each of the plurality of holes 40 may be disposed slightly closer to the liquid crystal cell 10 side than a peripheral portion of an open portion of the concave portion 38. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the plurality of holes 40 may be disposed on a side above the power source substrate 12.
As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a plurality of ribs 42 may be provided on a top surface of the guide portion 38b. Each of the plurality of ribs 42 may extend substantially vertically relative to the longitudinal direction of the concave portion 38. The plurality of ribs 42 may be disposed at intervals, for example in the longitudinal direction of the concave portion 38.
Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a plurality of through holes 44 may be provided on the concave portion 38. The plurality of through holes 44 may be disposed at intervals, for example in the longitudinal direction of the concave portion 38. The screws 19 may fastened to each of a plurality of screw holes (not illustrated) provided in the rear frame 8 through each of the plurality of through holes 44. The plurality of screws 19 thereby fastens the rear cover 18 to the rear frame 8.
When power is turned on for the display device 2, the power source substrate 12 is energized and generates heat. As illustrated by the arrow P of the dashed line in FIG. 7, the heat from the power source substrate 12 rises inside the rear cover 18 and is released from each of the plurality of holes 40. The heat from each of the plurality of holes 40 is released outside the display device 2 by being guided along the top surface of the guide portion 38b.
The concave portion 38 may also function as a handle. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the display device 2 can be carried by hooking a fingertip 46 on the guide portion 38b of the concave portion 38 and lifting the display device 2.

[Effects According to One or More Examples]

Next, effects that can be obtained by the display device 2 of the first example will be described. As described above, because the plurality of holes 40 is provided on the concave portion 38, the heat from the power substrate 12 can be released outside the display device 2 through the plurality of holes 40 and strength of the rear frame 8 can be secured. Cracks can thereby be suppressed from forming in the rear frame 8 when, for example, an object strikes the rear frame 8.
Furthermore, when liquid from, for example, a beverage or the like spills on a top surface of the enclosure 4, the liquid flows downward along the outer surface of the rear cover 18, as illustrated by the arrow Q of the solid line in FIG. 7. At this time, the liquid can be suppressed from flowing into each of the plurality of holes 40 because the plurality of holes 40 is provided on the concave portion 38.
Furthermore, as described above, because the plurality of ribs 42 is provided on the top surface of the guide portion 38b, the fingertip 46 is less likely to slip on the top surface of the guide portion 38b when hooking the fingertip 46 on the guide portion 38b. By this, the fingertip 46 can easily grip the guide portion 38b and the display device 2 can easily be carried and the like.
Furthermore, as described above, because the plurality of screws 19 for mounting the rear cover 18 on the rear frame 8 is disposed on the concave portion 38, a head of each of the plurality of screws 19 is less likely to appear on an external appearance of the display device 2. A design of the display device 2 can thereby be improved.

(Second Example)

Next, a configuration of a display device according to a second example will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view illustrating an enlarged portion of a concave portion of the display device according to the second example. In each configuration below, the same reference numerals will be attached to the same or similar components as those in the first example described above, and explanations thereof will be omitted.
As illustrated in FIG. 8, a grain finish may be applied on a top surface of a guide portion 38Ab of a concave portion 38A in a rear cover 18A of the second example. The halftone pattern in FIG. 8 represents the top surface of the guide portion 38Ab with the grain finish applied. The plurality of ribs 42 described in the above example is not provided on the top surface of the guide portion 38Ab. Even in a configuration such as that of the second example, an effect of being able to easily grip the guide portion 38Ab with a fingertip 46 (see FIG. 7) can be obtained in the same manner as in the first example described above.

(Third Example)

Next, a configuration of a display device according to a third example will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a back surface side of the display device according to the third example.
As illustrated in FIG. 9, the rear cover 18 described in the first example described above is not mounted on a rear frame 8B of an enclosure 4B in a display device 2B of the third example. A concave portion 38 may be provided at a position slightly below an upper end portion of the rear frame 8B. The same or similar effects as the first example described above can be obtained even in this type of configuration.
In the examples described above, the display device may be a liquid crystal television receiver. However, the display device may be, for example, a liquid crystal monitor or the like for a personal computer.
In each example described above, only one concave portion is provided on the rear cover or the rear frame, but a plurality of concave portions may be also provided. The plurality of concave portions may be disposed, for example, at intervals, for example in the lateral direction of the back surface enclosure. However, the plurality of concave portions may be provided in a longitudinal direction in other examples, depending on the location and/or shape of the power source substrate.
The display device be in the form, for example, of a liquid crystal television receiver or the like.
Although the disclosure has been described with respect to only a limited number of examples those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that various other examples may be devised without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the attached claims.

[Explanation of Reference Numerals]

2, 2B Display device
4, 4B Enclosure
6 Front cabinet
8, 8B Rear frame
10 Liquid crystal cell
12 Power source substrate
14, 19 Screw
16 Electronic component
18, 18A Rear cover
20 Stand
22 Reflective sheet
24 Backlight unit
26 Diffusion plate
28 Optical sheet
30 LED bar
32 Wiring substrate
34 LED
36 Cell guide
38, 38A Concave portion
38a Release portion
38b, 38Ab Guide portion
40 Hole
42 Rib
44 Through hole
46 Fingertip

Claims

A display device (2, 2B), comprising:
a display panel (10);

a back surface enclosure disposed on a back surface side of the display panel (10) and comprising a concave portion (38); and

a heat generating component (12) disposed between the display panel (10) and the back surface enclosure,

characterized in that:
the concave portion (38) comprises holes (40) or slits configured to release heat from the heat generating component (12) to an outside of the display device (2, 2B), the concave portion (38) including a release portion (38a) and a guide portion (38b) disposed above the release portion (38a);

the release portion (38a) extends obliquely upward from the outer back surface of the back surface enclosure toward the display panel (10);

the guide portion (38b) extends obliquely downward from the outer back surface of the back surface enclosure toward the display panel (10);

the holes (40) or slits are disposed at the release portion (38a);

the holes (40) or slits are disposed above the heat generating component (12);

the concave portion (38) has an elongated shape extending in a horizontal direction of the back surface enclosure; and

the holes (40) or slits are disposed at intervals in a longitudinal direction of the concave portion (38).
The display device (2, 2B) according to claim 1, wherein the release portion (38a) is disposed opposite the guide portion (38b).
The display device (2, 2B) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the holes (40) or slits extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the concave portion (38).
The display device (2, 2B) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the guide portion (38b) comprises a plurality of ribs (42) on a top surface of the guide portion (38b).
The display device (2, 2B) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein a grain finish is applied to a top surface of the guide portion (38b).
The display device (2, 2B) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the back surface enclosure comprises:
a rear frame (8, 8B) disposed on the back surface side of the display panel (10); and

a rear cover (18) covering a portion of an outer surface of the rear frame (8, 8B).
The display device (2, 2B) according to claim 6, wherein the heat generating component (12) is disposed between the rear frame (8, 8B) and the rear cover (18).
The display device (2, 2B) according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the concave portion (38) is provided on the rear cover (18).
The display device (2, 2B) according to any one of claims 6-8, further comprising at least one fastening member (19) fastening the rear cover (18) to the rear frame (8, 8B) and being disposed on the concave portion (38).